Good morning, Leaders! It’s Friday!

What are you doing with your hands?

•Are they firmly cupping your hind end?

•Are they hung off your arms by your side, fingers pointing straight down as you march to the beat of someone else’s drum?

•Are they clenched fists, swinging wildly in front of you, assuming all visible items are a potential threat?

•Are they raised high, palms faced up, accompanied by rejoicing and praising God for all the blessings bestowed on you?

•Are they locked together, fingers folded in humility and solemn prayer?

•Are they shrouded in cloth or leather, wrapped around a tool, a stick shift, or a steering wheel?

•Maybe you’ve just moistened a thumb and forefinger as you turn the proverbial page preparing for another chapter to begin…

Last Sunday, our daughter Aarika joined Carole and I at church as pastor Joel talked about the worst day. He recounted one of his first worst days as being the first day of school in fifth grade…the second time around. From his remarks you could tell that situation left a dent. He also said that when you reach his age, roughly my age, you’ve probably had more than one worst day.

Yes, it is possible to have more than one.

Yesterday, I found my hands holding a phone, typing a message on a plane on my way back home with a less than certain future. These hands spent the last 18 months shaping yet another environment requiring some extra attention; pruning dead branches, planting new seeds, pulling weeds and tearing down silos. No magic, no mystery, no politics…just doing the things that needed to be done that for whatever reason hadn’t been handled already.

I heard the whisper yesterday morning. “Put your tools down, son. Your job here is through. I’ll let you know where to go next.”

Today, I used my hands to pray, to lead my arms to hug loved ones, to answer calls, type emails and erase passwords no longer relevant to the security of company data … or my future.  I’ve been blessed to hear from many friends, coworkers, and loved ones who were shocked but consoling.  They provided praise, reassurance and scripture to encourage.

This, like ALL other situations, is in God’s hands.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Have a blessed weekend!